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Jiang Yuyan walks on stage to accept the 2025 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award in Madrid on April 21. [Photo provided by Shaoxing Municipal Disabled Persons' Federation]

At 19, Chinese para swimmer Jiang Yuyan became the winner of the 2025 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability in Madrid on April 21, becoming the first Chinese athlete to receive this honor.

The award recognizes her exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she secured seven gold medals across seven events, setting two individual world records and contributing to a relay world record.

"I'm so excited to be here. Thank you so much for this award. It's an incredible honor for me and all Paralympic people," Jiang said.

"I want to thank my coach, my family, and my fans. You are always an inspiration, and I am grateful for having you by my side and believing in me."

Jiang's journey began after a childhood accident resulted in the loss of her right arm and leg. She took up swimming at age seven and quickly rose through the ranks.

Her achievements at La Defense Arena in Paris included victories in the women's 50m freestyle S6, 100m freestyle S7, 400m freestyle S6, 100m backstroke S6, 50m butterfly S6, and both the mixed 4x50m freestyle and medley relays.

She was also China's flagbearer at the closing ceremony.